Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has responded to data which confirms that Ferguslie Park has been identified as the area of Scotland with the greatest level of deprivation.

It is the second time in succession that the area has been at the bottom of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation published today makes it clear that there is a lot of work to do to tackle the problems facing Ferguslie Park. As the local MP, I hear first-hand of the issues faced by the local people, many of whom know the full cost of Tory austerity.

“These issues are longstanding and complex. This is why Scotland needs a government with the full powers to tackle deep-seated deprivation, poverty and inequalities. Despite the Scottish Government allocating more than £100m to mitigate the worst aspects of Welfare Reform, finding solutions to these longstanding problems will be challenging as long as the Tories’ austerity agenda continues and the necessary powers are not devolved to Holyrood.”